2015年06月30日

The Yomiuri ShimbunWhat are implications of LDP move to raise limit on Japan Post deposits?郵貯限度額上げ 自民党提言の「含意」はどこに

Is there any convincing reason for hastening an increase in the deposit limit at the state-owned Japan Post Bank Co.? The wisdom of raising the ceiling is extremely questionable. 郵便貯金の限度額引き上げを急ぐ必要があるのか、甚だ疑問である。

The Liberal Democratic Party has worked out a set of proposals that would increase the per-person deposit ceiling for postal savings from the current \10 million to \30 million in stages. 自民党が、ゆうちょ銀行の貯金限度額を１０００万円から段階的に３０００万円に引き上げるべきだとする提言をまとめた。

The LDP has also set out a policy seeking to boost the maximum amount of life insurance coverage at Japan Post Insurance Co. to \20 million from the present \13 million. The party is calling for the government to put the proposals into force by the end of September this year. かんぽ生命保険の加入限度額についても、現在の最大１３００万円から２０００万円に増額する方針を掲げた。政府に対し、今年９月末までの実施を求めている。

The proposals say the current limit on postal savings is excessively low when taking into consideration such factors as convenience for depositors. However, the additional Diet resolution that accompanied the April 2012 enactment of the revision of the Postal Service Privatization Law stated explicitly that the deposit cap will “not be raised at least for the time being.” 提言は、利便性などを考えれば、現行の限度額は低すぎると指摘している。しかし、２０１２年４月の郵政民営化法改正時の付帯決議は、限度額を「当面は引き上げない」と明記している。

This move by the LDP is clearly running counter to the spirit of the additional Diet resolution.この趣旨に反するのは明らかである。

Japan Post Group is a state-owned, privately run enterprise with the government holding 100 percent of its paid-in capital. Should Japan Post Bank scramble to increase its total deposits on the strength of an implicit government guarantee, there could be a drain on deposits at private-sector regional financial institutions that compete with the postal bank. 郵政グループは、政府が１００％出資する国有民営の企業だ。政府の信用を背景に貯金集めに走れば、競合する地域金融機関から預金が流出することになろう。

It is only natural that the banking world is strongly concerned that an increase in the postal bank deposit cap would squeeze private businesses in the financial sector. 金融業界が、限度額の引き上げによる「民業圧迫」に強い懸念を示しているのは当然である。

The proposed deposit cap increase is also inconsistent with the business strategy of Japan Post Bank, which aims to facilitate collaboration with regional financial institutions through such means as formulating business ties with them. The government should carefully consider the advisability of the LDP proposals. 地域金融機関との業務提携などを目指すゆうちょ銀の経営戦略とも整合性を欠く。政府は、提言の是非を慎重に検討すべきだ。

Japan Post Group is scheduled to list the stocks of three companies, Japan Post Holdings Co. and two units under its umbrella − Japan Post Bank Co. and Japan Post Insurance Co. − at the same time this coming autumn or later. 郵政グループは、持ち株会社の日本郵政と傘下のゆうちょ銀、かんぽ生命の計３社の株式を、今秋以降、同時に上場する予定だ。

Post offices’ vote-drawing power

The pace at which the three companies’ stocks will be put on the market remains unclear, however. Fully privatizing Japan Post Bank and the others by selling all their stocks is just a nonbinding goal to strive for. ただ、３社の株式がどのようなペースで市場に売却されるのか不透明である。ゆうちょ銀株などを全て売却する完全民営化は、努力目標に過ぎない。

Preparations for raising the deposit limit should be launched only after the specific path toward full privatization of the Japan Post Group firms is clarified, after the sale of their shares to the public gets on track. 限度額の引き上げは、株式の売却が軌道に乗り、完全民営化への道筋がはっきりした段階で着手するのが筋だ。

The outstanding deposits at Japan Post Bank are estimated at \180 trillion, nearly double the figure for any one of the nation’s private mega-banks. ゆうちょ銀の貯金残高は約１８０兆円とメガバンクの２倍近い。

Its huge sum of government bond holdings, which account for more than half the assets of the postal bank, has excessively low interest rates, making it difficult for the postal bank to secure profits from holding them. 巨額の資産の半分以上を占める国債は低金利で、運用益は思うように上がっていない。

If the postal bank continues increasing its savings without any promising outlook for using them, it will become even harder for it to manage its deposits. 展望もなく貯金を増やせば、運用難に拍車をかける恐れがある。

Japan Post Co. President Taizo Nishimuro said at a news conference in April that although he believes the deposit cap should eventually be eliminated, he wondered whether abolishing the ceiling “would really be a move in the right direction when viewed from the perspective of the financial world as a whole.” 日本郵政の西室泰三社長は４月の記者会見で、限度額撤廃が望ましいとしつつ、「金融界全体からみて正しい方向かどうか疑問を持っている」と述べた。

However, the National Association of Postmasters (Zentoku), the nationwide organization of local post office chiefs, has been seeking a higher cap on the deposits, because raising the cap will increase commission revenues for individual post offices. ただ、個々の郵便局は貯金額などに応じて手数料が増えるメリットがあり、全国郵便局長会（全特）は引き上げを求めている。

In the 2013 House of Councillors election, a candidate from Zentoku ran in the proportional representation contest on an LDP ticket and won with the largest number of votes of any LDP candidate. 一昨年の参院比例選で、自民党の全特出身候補が党内トップ当選を果たした。

The ruling party subsequently included a review of the postal bank deposit cap in the electoral platform in last year’s House of Representatives election. 自民党は昨年の衆院選公約に限度額見直しを掲げた。

The LDP may be eager to see post offices give full play to their vote-gathering abilities in next year’s upper house election as well. 来年の参院選でも郵便局に集票力を発揮してほしい。

The party’s recent proposals may have been designed to serve such a purpose.そんな意図を込めた提言ではないか。

2015年06月29日

idioms and words in this news,leave no stone unturned 八方手をつくす.(srachai)

The Yomiuri ShimbunVital for Japan to continue dialogue with Russia, based on G-7 agreement日露電話会談 Ｇ７合意踏まえた対話が重要

It is vital that Japan continues to hold dialogue with Russia, and to firmly criticize it over the current situation in Ukraine. ウクライナ情勢では批判をきちんと加えつつ、ロシアとの対話を重ねることが大切である。

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone. Abe again invited Putin to visit Japan this year, and both leaders agreed to continue bilateral dialogue. 安倍首相がプーチン露大統領と電話会談し、年内の来日を改めて招請した。日露間の対話継続でも一致した。

Abe called on Putin to play a constructive role toward the complete implementation of a ceasefire agreement in eastern Ukraine. It is quite natural that Japan is in step with other members of the Group of Seven advanced nations in refusing to accept Russia’s unilateral attempts to change the status quo in Ukraine. 首相はプーチン氏に、ウクライナ東部での停戦合意の完全な履行に向けて建設的な役割を果たすよう求めた。ウクライナ情勢でのロシアによる一方的な現状変更は容認できず、先進７か国（Ｇ７）の足並みをそろえるのは当然だ。

This was the first conversation between Abe and Putin since they met in Beijing in November 2014. During their talks, the two leaders agreed Putin would visit Japan “at an appropriate time” before the end of this year. 両首脳の対話は、昨年１１月の北京での会談以来だ。この会談では、今年の「適切な時期」のプーチン氏来日で合意している。

The government will soon dispatch Shotaro Yachi, chief of the National Security Council’s secretariat, to Russia to help coordinate arrangements regarding the schedule for Putin’s visit and summit talks between Abe and Putin in third nations this autumn. A visit to Russia by Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida is also under consideration. We hope these opportunities for constructive exchanges of opinion at various levels will continue. 来日日程や今秋の第三国での首脳会談を調整するため、政府は近く谷内正太郎国家安全保障局長をロシアに派遣する。岸田外相の訪露も検討中だ。様々なレベルで建設的な意見交換を続けたい。

Abe has been navigating a tortuous path as he seeks to make progress in Japan-Russia relations in a bid to resolve the northern territories issue. Western nations have imposed a travel ban on Sergei Naryshkin, speaker of Russia’s lower house. But when Naryshkin visited Japan in May, Abe boldly pushed for a meeting and showed his stance of attaching great importance to improving Tokyo-Moscow ties. 首相は、北方領土問題の解決を目指し、日露関係の前進を図ろうと、難しい舵かじ取りを続けている。米欧が入国禁止対象とするナルイシキン露下院議長が５月に来日した際、あえて会談し、対露関係を重視する姿勢を示した。

In an interview with heads of foreign news agencies in mid-June, Putin said it is possible to resolve any problem and showed his willingness to hold a summit meeting with Abe. プーチン氏も今月中旬、外国通信社幹部との会見で、「すべての問題は解決可能だ」と述べ、日露首脳会談に意欲を見せている。

Fishing ban a poke at Japan?

At a time when Russia’s economy is increasingly feeling the pinch due to economic sanctions imposed by the United States and European nations, taking steps that could invite deterioration in relations with Japan is not a smart policy for Putin. 米欧の経済制裁の影響でロシア経済が厳しさを増す中、プーチン氏にとっても、対日関係の悪化を招くのは得策ではあるまい。

It is unfortunate that both houses of the Russian Federal Assembly passed a bill that will ban drift-net fishing for salmon and trout from January within Russia’s exclusive economic zone, which extends for 200 nautical miles from that nation’s coast. 残念なのは、ロシア上下両院が、同国沿岸から２００カイリの排他的経済水域（ＥＥＺ）内でのサケ・マスの流し網漁を来年１月から禁止する法案を可決したことだ。

This ban will come into force if Putin signs it. If this happens, Japanese fishing boats will, in effect, become unable to operate in waters off the Chishima islands and some other areas. プーチン氏が署名すれば施行され、千島列島沖などで日本漁船は事実上、操業できなくなる。

It has been estimated that if this ban comes into effect, the economic impact on industries in eastern Hokkaido could reach up to \25 billion annually. その場合、北海道東部の経済への影響額が年２５０億円に上るとの試算もある。

The government will need to leave no stone unturned as it devises countermeasures to minimize the impact of this blow.打撃を最小限に抑えるため、政府は、対策に知恵を絞らなければならない。

Russia has justified the bill by saying it is intended to protect marine resources. However, the Japanese government has argued there are sufficient resources in these waters. 法案は「漁業資源の保護」を理由としており、日本側は「資源は十分ある」と反論してきた。

During his phone conversation with Putin, Abe called on the Russian side to give consideration “to what is a very alarming situation for fishermen in the region.” About four hours after this request, the bill was passed.安倍首相も電話会談で「地域の漁民には大変憂慮すべき事態」とロシア側の配慮を求めたが、その約４時間後に法案は可決された。

It is regrettable that Japan’s plea was not accepted. 日本の主張が受け入れられなかったのは遺憾である。

Russia has extended for one year its ban on imports of agricultural products from the United States, the European Union and elsewhere, which it launched in response to sanctions that have been slapped on Moscow. ロシアは、対露制裁を続ける米国や欧州連合（ＥＵ）などから農産物の輸入を禁止する対抗措置を１年間延長した。

It seems to us that Russia might, under the guise of resource protection, be trying to shake Japan’s sanctions.資源保護を名目に、日本の制裁にも揺さぶりをかけてきたのではないか。

2015年06月28日

The Yomiuri ShimbunU.S. legislation on fast-track authority must lead to early TPP trade accord米大統領交渉権 ＴＰＰの早期妥結につなげよ

The conditions are finally in place to significantly push forward negotiations regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact. 環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉を大きく進展させる環境が、ようやく整った。

Japan, the United States and 10 other participating countries should speed up negotiations to seal a multilateral trade deal as early as possible. 日米など参加１２か国は交渉を加速し、早期妥結を実現させるべきだ。

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday passed a Trade Promotion Authority bill that will grant President Barack Obama fast-track authority on trade deals. The bill was earlier approved by the House of Representatives and will become law after Obama signs it. 米上院が、オバマ大統領に通商一括交渉権（ＴＰＡ）を与える法案を可決した。下院ではすでに可決しており、大統領の署名を経て成立する。

There was concern that if a trade deal was reached without Obama being given TPA, any accord agreed to by the United States would be nullified due to U.S. congressional opposition. This prevented other participating nations from rallying the momentum to reach a broad TPP agreement. 大統領がＴＰＡを持たずに合意しても、議会の反対で約束が反故ほごにされる恐れがある。このため参加国では、ＴＰＰ大筋合意への機運が高まらなかった。

With the TPA legislation, the participating countries will aim to hammer out a broad accord at a ministerial meeting in July. For now, we welcome the TPP negotiations’ entry into a new phase. ＴＰＡ成立を受け、参加国は７月中の閣僚会合で大筋合意を目指す。交渉が新たな局面に入ったことを、ひとまず歓迎したい。

TPP is an ambitious vision for creating a high-level free trade zone in the Asia-Pacific region. If realized, it will contribute greatly to the development and stability of the region. But tough negotiations lie ahead for all the participating countries because they are confronted with domestic opponents calling for protection of their domestic industries. ＴＰＰは、アジア太平洋地域に高いレベルの自由貿易圏を創出する野心的な構想だ。実現すれば、地域経済の発展と安定に大きく寄与する。ただ、各国とも国内産業の保護を唱える反対派を抱え、難しい交渉を迫られている。

The Obama administration’s stance is to promote the TPP deal. But the Democratic Party, which is supposed to support Obama, takes a strongly cautious view of the deal because the party is backed by labor unions. In contrast, most lawmakers from the Republican Party are in favor of pushing the TPP deal. オバマ政権は、ＴＰＰ推進の立場だが、身内のはずの民主党は、労働組合を支持層としていることもあり、慎重論が根強い。一方、共和党では、ＴＰＰに前向きな議員が多数派を形成する。

Overall perspective vital

Due to the differences in opinion between the president and the Democratic Party, the TPA bill was in limbo for more than two years. 大統領と民主党の意見の食い違いが災いし、ＴＰＡ法案の扱いは２年以上も迷走した。

The lack of leadership by Obama, who is passive about winning over the opposing legislators, is undeniably to blame for exacerbating the turmoil surrounding the matter. 議会の説得に消極的だったオバマ氏の指導力不足も、混迷に拍車をかけたことは否めまい。

Now that the battle in Congress has been settled, the focus has shifted to the fate of the TPP negotiations themselves. But it cannot be predicted how the talks will unfold. 米議会での攻防が収束し、焦点はＴＰＰ交渉そのものに移る。その行方は予断を許さない。

Japan and the United States have made progress in their bilateral negotiations on such matters as tariff cuts on beef and pork imports. The issues left unresolved include expansion of U.S. rice imports by Japan, on which Tokyo is reluctant to concede, and the timetable and range of U.S. tariff cuts on automobile parts imported from Japan. 日米交渉は、牛・豚肉の関税引き下げなどで進展している。ただ、日本が難色を示してきた米国産コメの輸入拡大や、米国の自動車部品関税引き下げの時期や範囲など、残された課題もある。

Tough battles have continued between the United States and emerging countries in negotiations related to intellectual property rights, including the protection period and range for newly developed medicines. 米国と新興国は、新薬開発データの保護期間など知的財産権の分野で厳しい対立を続ける。

Top priority must be given to preventing the negotiations from drifting off course. As the countries to lead the TPP talks, Japan and the United States must cooperate to work out a final agreement as early as possible from a comprehensive standpoint. 交渉全体の漂流を回避することが最優先だ。ＴＰＰ交渉を主導する日米が大局的な見地に立ち、最終合意を急ぐことが肝心だ。

The significance of TPP is not limited to economic benefits accruing from the expansion of trade and investment. The TPP framework is also expected to serve as a check on China, which has been increasing its presence in both the economic and security spheres. ＴＰＰの意義は、貿易や投資の拡大を通じた経済的な利益にとどまらない。経済と安全保障の両面で存在感を高める中国を、牽制けんせいする役割も期待される。

China has been making steady progress in pushing for such plans as establishment of the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank while expanding its aggressive maritime activities in the East and South China seas. If the TPP plan breaks apart in midair, it will help China become more aggressive and assertive. The participating countries should share this concern. 中国はアジアインフラ投資銀行（ＡＩＩＢ）の設立などを着々と進め、東・南シナ海で強引な海洋進出を図っている。ＴＰＰが空中分解に終われば、中国の攻勢はさらに強まろう。交渉参加国は、危機感を共有すべきである。

2015年06月27日

The United States found a stage to deliver a stern reminder to China, which is continuing its high-handed behavior in maritime areas and in cyberspace, that it needs to follow the rules and fulfill its responsibilities as a major power. 海洋やサイバー空間で独善的な行動を続ける中国に、ルールを守り、大国としての責任を果たすよう、米国が厳しくクギを刺す場となった。

The seventh round of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue has been held in Washington. Over two days, high-level officials from both nations held discussions on a wide spectrum of issues ranging from national security to economic matters. 第７回米中戦略・経済対話がワシントンで行われ、双方の閣僚級が２日間、安全保障から経済まで幅広い課題を巡って議論した。

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called on China to halt its land reclamation around reefs and military facility construction in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. “We do have a strong national interest in freedom of navigation and overflight,” Kerry said. 南シナ海のスプラトリー（南沙）諸島での中国による岩礁埋め立てと軍事施設の建設について、ケリー米国務長官は「米国は航行、飛行の自由に大きな国益をもつ」と述べ、中止するよう要求した。

Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi hit back, saying China has a “firm determination to safeguard territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.” China is attempting to unilaterally enclose the South China Sea as “its own sea.” We think this approach, which has no basis under international law, is completely unacceptable. 中国の楊潔チ国務委員は「海洋問題で領土主権と権益を守る」と反論した。国際法の根拠のないまま、南シナ海を「自国の海」として一方的に囲い込もうとする中国の姿勢は到底容認できない。

In mid-June, the Chinese government announced some of its land reclamation work will be completed soon. This was probably intended to temporarily ease antagonism with Washington ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States in September. 中国政府は今月中旬、埋め立てを「近く完了する」と表明した。習近平国家主席の訪米を９月に控え、米国との対立を一時的に緩和したい思惑があったのだろう。

However, what some observers have termed “a Great Wall of sand” has already been built due to China’s land reclamation. There appears to be no change in China’s plan to push on with preparing military facilities and a 3,000-meter runway. If this situation continues, distrust of China will only grow. だが、埋め立てによる「砂の長城」はすでに築かれている。３０００メートル級の滑走路や軍事施設の整備などを続ける方針にも変化は見られない。このままでは、対中不信が高まるばかりだ。

Some progress made

In the economic field, U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew issued a sterner-than-usual criticism of China on cyber issues. “We remain deeply concerned about Chinese government-sponsored cyber-enabled theft of confidential business information and proprietary technology from U.S. companies,” Lew said. 経済分野では、ルー財務長官が「米企業の機密情報や特許技術を盗み取るサイバー攻撃を中国政府が支援していることを深く懸念する」と批判を一段と強めた。

Yang said Beijing supports the principle of developing an “international code of conduct for cyber information-sharing,” but a bilateral working group on cyber issues remains suspended. It would be a stretch to say China provided a sincere response on this issue. 楊氏は「各国がサイバー情報を共有するため、国際的な行動規範の構築に取り組むべきだ」と語ったが、サイバー問題に関する米中の作業部会は中断している。真摯しんしな対応とは言えまい。

U.S. President Barack Obama also expressed “ongoing U.S. concerns” about China’s cyber and maritime behavior, and he urged China to take “concrete steps” on these issues. It is hugely significant that the president directly called on China to deal with these matters appropriately. オバマ大統領も、海洋進出とサイバー問題で中国側に「懸念」を伝え、「具体的措置」をとるよう促した。大統領が直接、中国に善処を求めた意義は小さくない。

With China seeking to build a “new type of major-power relationship” with the United States, it said both sides should “respect and accommodate each other’s core interests.” U.S. Vice President Joe Biden reportedly urged China to be a “responsible stakeholder” in the international system. 中国側は「新しいタイプの大国関係」構築に向けて、領土・主権など双方の「核心的利益」を尊重することを改めて訴えた。バイデン副大統領は「責任ある競争相手」になるよう戒めたという。

If China genuinely wants to realize a “major-power relationship,” in which it stands on an equal footing with the United States, it should start by fulfilling the responsibilities commensurate with such a position. 中国が米国と対等の「大国関係」を実現したいのなら、まず相応の責任を果たすべきだろう。

There was progress made elsewhere, as the United States and China reached agreement on a raft of issues including climate change and people-to-people exchanges. They also agreed to expand technological cooperation as a countermeasure to combat climate change. China is scheduled to announce this month its reduction target for greenhouse gas emissions. 一方、米中が気候変動や人材交流など様々なテーマで合意できたのは成果だ。気候変動対策では、技術協力拡大でも一致した。中国は今月中に、温室効果ガスの排出削減目標を公表するという。

The United States and China are the world’s two largest emitters of these gases. They must steadily make progress in reducing their emissions. The key question will be whether they can produce actual results, not just stage a show of cooperative ties. 排出量で世界１、２位の中国と米国は着実に削減を進めねばならない。問われるのは、協調関係の演出ではなく、実績である。

2015年06月26日

The basic idea to seek both economic growth and fiscal reconstruction is appropriate, but strong enthusiasm for reducing government spending cannot be felt. 経済成長と財政再建の二兎にとを追う基本的な考え方は妥当だが、歳出削減への強い意気込みが感じられない。

The government has compiled the draft outline of its Basic Policies for Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform. 政府が、「経済財政運営と改革の基本方針」（骨太の方針）の素案をまとめた。

The government, in the draft outline, sets a medium-term target of cutting the deficit in fiscal 2018 to about 1 percent of gross domestic product as a step toward achieving the government goal of turning the primary balance of the central and local governments into a surplus by fiscal 2020. ２０２０年度に国と地方の基礎的財政収支を黒字化する政府目標の達成に向け、１８年度の赤字を国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の１％程度に抑える中間目標を設けた。

The central government designated the three years until fiscal 2018 as a period for intensive reform and showed a “criterion” of limiting rises in general account spending, excluding redemptions of government bonds and certain other items, to about \1.6 trillion for the three years to March 2019. The draft outline calls on the government to limit growth in social security costs, which are expected to increase by \1 trillion each year, to \1.5 trillion for the three years. １８年度までの３年間を集中改革期間と位置づけ、政策経費の歳出増加額を計１・６兆円程度に抑える「目安」を示した。毎年１兆円ほど増える社会保障費を、３年で１・５兆円の伸びにとどめる。

Akira Amari, economic revitalization minister, and others were reluctant to put a ceiling on government spending. But without the ceiling, there is a fear that tax revenue increases as a result of economic growth could be used for an expansion of expenditures in an unregulated manner. It is significant that the draft outline put a certain brake on increases in government spending in line with the opinions of Finance Minister Taro Aso and others. 甘利経済再生相らは、歳出の上限設定に難色を示したが、それでは経済成長による税収増などが、野放図に歳出拡大へ回される恐れがある。麻生財務相らの主張に沿って、歳出増に一定の歯止めを設けた意義はあろう。

It is worrisome that the draft outline is lacking in concrete measures to curtail government spending in the future as planned. 懸念されるのは、今後の歳出を想定通りに抑制するための具体的な方策が乏しいことである。

The target amount of an increase in general account spending, excluding redemptions of government bonds and certain other items, was determined based on past performance in fiscal 2013 to 2015. With the aging population, there is no guarantee that the government could curtail spending in the future as much as it did in that period. Ceaseless efforts for spending reform are indispensable. 政策経費の伸びの目標額は、１３〜１５年度の実績をもとに定めた。高齢化は進行しており、今後も同様に抑え込める保証はない。不断の歳出改革が不可欠だ。

Face the pain

However, the draft outline seldom mentioned important issues, such as hikes in out-of-pocket payments for medical fees for high-income senior citizens, or heavier taxation on their pension money. ところが、裕福な高齢者の医療費負担増や、年金課税の強化などの重要課題について、素案はほとんど言及しなかった。

The draft outline also did not clear a concrete target date to realize an increase in the use of generic medicine to more than 80 percent, which is a essential to controlling medical costs. In consideration of the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, which is cautious about setting the target date, the draft outline said only in an ambiguous manner that the realization should be made “at the earliest date possible in [the period from] fiscal 2018 to the end of fiscal 2020.” 医療費削減の柱とされた後発医薬品の「普及率８０％以上」の実現時期も、踏み込み不足だった。慎重な厚生労働省に配慮し、「１８〜２０年度末のなるべく早い時期」という曖昧な表現に落ち着いた。

Since the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers in 2008, the government has introduced a system to add extra amounts of money to tax grants from the central government to local governments. The draft outline postponed the abolition of the system, instead only mentioning “trying to make efforts to change the system to the status quo ante.” ０８年のリーマン・ショック後に緊急対策として導入した地方交付税の別枠加算は、「平時モードに切り替えを進めていく」とするにとどめ、廃止を見送った。

We have to say that the government got cold feet in fear of the refutation of the ministries and local governments opposing various expenditure cuts. 歳出カットに対する各府省や地方自治体の反発を恐れ、腰が引けていると言わざるを得ない。

Japan’s debt has topped \1 quadrillion, already the worst fiscal condition among advanced countries. Looking toward fiscal 2025 and later, when the baby boomers pass the age of 75, it is necessary to start painful reforms earlier. 日本の債務残高は、１０００兆円を超え、既に先進国で最悪の財政状況だ。団塊の世代が７５歳以上に達する２５年度以降を見据えれば、痛みを伴う制度改革にも早めに手をつける必要がある。

From the start, the fiscal reconstruction measures this time are determined based on the assumption of real economic growth of 2 percent. If growth remains at 1 percent, the deficit in the primary balance would increase by \7 trillion. The harsh reality should not be forgotten. そもそも今回の財政再建策は、実質２％という高成長が前提だ。成長率が１％にとどまれば、２０年度の基礎的財政収支の赤字幅は、７兆円も増える。厳しい現実を忘れてはなるまい。

The government should beef up concrete measures for spending reform to steadily realize the goal of turning the primary balance of the central and local governments into a surplus by fiscal 2020 and laying the foundation for future fiscal consolidation. ２０年度の黒字化目標を着実に実現し、その先の財政健全化に布石を打つ。こうした視点から、歳出改革の具体策を補強すべきだ。

2015年06月25日

The Yomiuri ShimbunRealistic approach needed to reduce burden of U.S. bases in Okinawa Pref.首相沖縄訪問 現実的な基地負担軽減を図れ

One of two important tasks is to maintain the deterrent capability of the Japan-U.S. alliance to preserve our national security. The other is to reduce the excessive burden shouldered by Okinawa due to the presence of U.S. bases there. Political leaders are obliged to come up with realistic measures to ensure the two goals are compatible, and make steady progress in achieving these objectives. 平和の確保へ、日米同盟の抑止力を維持する。過重な米軍基地負担を減らす。この二つの目標を両立する現実的な方策を選択し、着実に前に進めることが、政治の責任だろう。

On Tuesday, a ceremony was held in Itoman, Okinawa Prefecture, to commemorate those killed in the prefecture during World War II. It is believed that organized combat in the Battle of Okinawa ended on June 23, 1945. 太平洋戦争の沖縄戦で組織的な戦闘が終結したとされる「慰霊の日」の２３日、沖縄全戦没者追悼式が沖縄県糸満市で開かれた。

In his address during the ceremony, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said with emphasis, “We have earnestly walked the path of peace in abhorrence of war over the past 70 years.” 安倍首相はあいさつで、「この７０年間、戦争を憎み、ひたすら平和の道を歩んできた」と力説し、

“We must also continue making tireless efforts toward achieving international peace,” the prime minister said. Abe also reiterated his intention to do his utmost to reduce the burden shouldered by local residents because of the U.S. bases in the prefecture.「これからも世界平和の確立に向け、不断の努力を行う」と訴えた。沖縄の基地負担の軽減に全力を挙げる考えも改めて表明した。

In his peace declaration, Okinawa Gov. Takeshi Onaga called for halting a project to transfer functions of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station to the Henoko area. “People [in the prefecture] expressed their opposition [to the relocation project] in [last year’s] election, and it is therefore difficult [to build a new base at Henoko],” he said. 翁長雄志知事は平和宣言で、米軍普天間飛行場の辺野古移設について「選挙で反対の民意が示されており、困難だ」と述べ、中止を求めた。

Onaga also said, “The suggestion that Okinawa should present an alternative plan [for the transfer of the Futenma functions to Henoko] cannot be condoned.”「沖縄が（辺野古移設の）代替案を出しなさいとの考えは到底許容できない」とも語った。

The governor devoted nearly half his speech to making references to the Futenma issue. 普天間問題への言及は全体の半分近くを占めた。

We believe Onaga was out of order for advancing his political views during this opportunity to pay tribute to the war victims and renew a pledge to pursue peace. Solely emphasizing his confrontational stance against the central government will do nothing to resolve the complex and difficult Futenma base issue. 犠牲者に哀悼を捧ささげ、平和への誓いを新たにする場を利用し、自らの政治的主張を前面に出したことには、違和感を禁じ得ない。政府との対決姿勢を強調するだけでは、この複雑で困難な基地問題を解決することはできまい。

Constructive dialogue vital

It was decided not to arrange a formal meeting between Abe and Onaga on the sidelines of Tuesday’s ceremony. One of the factors behind this decision may have been the improbability that any progress would result. Still, the decision is disappointing. We hope the prime minister and the governor will use every opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue. 首相と翁長氏の正式な会談は見送られた。具体的成果が見込めないとの判断もあったのだろうが、残念な対応である。首相と翁長氏は、様々な機会をとらえて、建設的な対話を重ねてもらいたい。

The Futenma base, used by the U.S. forces since the war ended in 1945, lies in the central part of Ginowan. There is a possibility of serious accidents if the installation remains there. At the same time, it has long hindered the city’s development. 終戦の年から米軍が使用する普天間飛行場は、宜野湾市中心部にある。重大事故の危険性に加え、市の発展の障害となってきた。

The only practical solution to overcoming this situation is relocating the Futenma facility to Henoko. この現状を打開するための実現可能な選択肢は、辺野古移設しかない。

The Futenma Air Station symbolizes the U.S. military presence in the prefecture. If the relocation project is translated into action, it would represent a significant achievement after many years of great efforts by the central government and local entities to promote the realignment of U.S. forces.普天間飛行場は在沖縄米軍基地の象徴的存在でもある。移設が実現すれば、政府と地元関係者が長年、多大な努力を重ねてきた米軍再編の重要な成果となる。

Questions must be raised about the latest action taken by the Social Democratic Party, the Japanese Communist Party and other forces that constitute the mainstay of the Onaga-led prefectural government. They have submitted to the prefectural assembly a proposal for the creation of an ordinance that would impose restrictions on bringing earth, sand and stone into the prefecture from outside of the prefecture, citing the need to implement environmental protection measures. Such materials are used for land reclamation work. 疑問なのは、社民、共産など翁長県政与党が、環境対策として、埋め立て工事に使用する県外からの土砂や石材搬入を規制する条例案を県議会に提出したことだ。

If the proposed ordinance is adopted, it could cause delays not only in the Futenma-to-Henoko transfer plan but in the ongoing construction of a second runway at Naha Airport. The new runway project is aimed at invigorating the prefecture’s economy while also resolving overcrowded flight schedules at the airport. The project was started in response to the strong desire by local residents for a new runway. Business circles in the prefecture also are worried about the proposed ordinance. 可決されれば、辺野古移設だけでなく、那覇空港第２滑走路整備の工事も遅延しかねない。滑走路整備は、沖縄経済の活性化と空港の過密解消が目的で、地元が強く要望していた。経済界からも条例案へ懸念の声が出ている。

We find it difficult to understand what kind of environmental benefit can be gained through restrictions on earth and sand being brought into the prefecture from other parts of the country. We regard the submission of the proposed ordinance as opportunistic. Doing so will only deepen the schism between the central government and local residents. そもそも、同じ国内の土砂などの規制にどんな環境面の効果があるのか、理解に苦しむ。ご都合主義であり、いたずらに政府との対立を深めるだけではないか。

2015年06月24日

The Yomiuri ShimbunCan both countries use this occasion as a turning point to improve ties?日韓５０年式典 関係改善への転機にできるか

Can Japan and South Korea take this opportunity as a turning point to improve their chilled bilateral relations? The will and efforts of both countries will be closely watched. 冷却化した日韓関係を改善するための転機とできるのか。双方の意志と努力が問われよう。

The governments of both countries on Monday held ceremonies in Seoul and Tokyo to commemorate the 50th anniversary of normalizing diplomatic relations. 日韓両政府がソウルと東京で、国交正常化５０周年記念式典をそれぞれ開いた。

In Tokyo, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe emphasized, “Let us build a new era for our two countries together, while looking back at the 50 years of history of friendship and looking forward at the next 50 years.” 安倍首相は東京で、「５０年の友好の歴史を振り返り、これからの５０年を展望し、両国の新たな時代を築いていこう」と強調した。

South Korean President Park Geun-hye said in Seoul, “It is important to lay down the heavy burden of history issues ... As we seek to do so, our two countries can make a fresh start.” 朴槿恵大統領はソウルで、「歴史問題という重荷を下ろすことが重要だ。両国がそうしたスタートをする時、新たな未来を切り開く」と語り、歴史問題に言及した。

Japan and South Korea have been recently in fierce conflict with each other over historical perceptions, including on the issue of so-called comfort women, and over the Takeshima islands. This spring, both countries were far from celebrating the 50th anniversary of normalizing bilateral ties. 日韓両国は最近、慰安婦など歴史認識や竹島の問題で鋭く対立している。今春ごろは、５０周年を祝福するムードにほど遠かった。

Around the time when South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung Se’s visit to Japan was decided last week, momentum grew for both countries to compromise. 先週、韓国の尹炳世外相の来日が決まった前後から、双方に歩み寄りの機運が高まった。

With the attendance of both Abe and Park, who did not initially plan to attend these ceremonies, both countries were able to call for mending bilateral ties and to transmit constructive messages both at home and abroad.当初は予定になかった両首脳の式典出席で関係修復を演出し、前向きなメッセージも内外に発信できた。

Park has set solving the comfort women issue as the condition for holding summit talks with Abe. She has also engaged in “tale-telling diplomacy,” criticizing Japan’s historic perception in third countries. 朴氏は、慰安婦問題の解決を首脳会談の条件に掲げる。第三国で日本の歴史認識を批判する「告げ口外交」も展開してきた。

Yet her adherence to history issues has only escalated anti-South Korean sentiment in Japan, while bringing about no positive results in the diplomacy of her country. だが、朴氏の歴史問題への固執は、日本の「嫌韓」感情を高めただけで、韓国外交に何の成果ももたらしていない。

Ball in Park’s court

It is quite reasonable that calls for Park to change her policy have grown even within South Korea, besides those coming from the United States.米国に加え、韓国国内でも方針転換を求める声が高まっているのは当然である。

Taking advantage of the 50th anniversary to unload “the heavy burden of history issues,” Park should review her unyielding stance of pressing Japan alone to compromise unilaterally. Such a move on her part will benefit both countries. ５０周年の節目を契機とし、「歴史問題という重荷」を下ろすため、日本だけに一方的な譲歩を求める朴氏の頑かたくなな姿勢を見直すことこそが日韓双方の利益となろう。

Prior to attending the ceremony, Abe held talks with Yun in Tokyo. During the talks, Abe told Yun: “We have various issues to tackle because we’re neighbors. It is important to hold candid talks with each other.” He thus showed his willingness to hold talks with Park. 記念式典に先立ち、安倍首相は韓国の尹炳世外相と会談した。「隣国ゆえに様々な課題があるが、お互いに胸襟を開いて話し合うことが重要だ」と語り、朴氏との会談に意欲を示した。

Meanwhile, Park held talks with former Finance Minister Fukushiro Nukaga in Seoul, telling him that the two countries “must pursue trust in diplomacy while healing the wounds of the past.” She also said she will closely watch Abe’s statement to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. 朴氏はソウルで額賀福志郎・元財務相と会談し、「過去の傷を癒やしつつ、日韓の信頼外交を展開せねばならない」と語った。安倍首相の戦後７０年談話について「注目している」とも述べた。

Diplomatic authorities in both countries are discussing a plan to hold the first summit talks between Abe and Park, following the announcement of Abe’s statement in August, on the occasion of summit talks involving Japan, China and South Korea scheduled to be held this autumn in Seoul. 日韓の外交当局は、８月の戦後７０年談話の発表後、今秋にもソウルで日中韓首脳会談を開くのに合わせて、初の日韓首脳会談を行う案などを検討している。

There are now many outstanding matters between Japan and South Korea, in addition to history and territorial issues. Included in the issues are a conclusion of an agreement on general security of military information, negotiations on a free trade accord, and South Korea’s import restrictions on Japan’s fishery products. 日韓間には今、歴史や領土の問題に加え、多くの懸案がある。軍事情報包括保護協定の締結、自由貿易協定の交渉や、韓国の日本産水産物の輸入規制などだ。

Needless to say, a single instance of summit talks cannot dramatically improve the bilateral ties. But through a series of dialogues, the leaders of both countries will come up with ideas to advance diverse challenges. This is the role a national leader has to assume. 無論、１回の首脳会談で関係が劇的に改善するわけではない。だが、対話を重ねる中で、様々な課題を進展させる知恵を出し合う。それが指導者の役割だろう。

2015年06月23日

June 22 marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-Republic of Korea Basic Relations Treaty that normalized the bilateral diplomatic ties. In light of the paths the two countries have taken during the half century, efforts should be redoubled to address the task of rebuilding the bilateral relationship that has stagnated over the past few years. 日本と韓国の国交を正常化した日韓基本条約の調印から、２２日で５０年を迎える。半世紀の歩みを踏まえ、近年は停滞している両国関係の再構築に取り組みたい。

South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung Se visited Japan for the first time for talks with his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida. Regarding the so-called comfort women, no specific accord was reached except for an agreement to continue consultations between Tokyo and Seoul. 韓国の尹炳世外相が初めて来日し、岸田外相と会談した。慰安婦問題については、協議を継続することで一致するにとどまった。

Concerning Japan’s bid to gain World Cultural Heritage status for Meiji-era (1868-1912) industrial revolution sites, over which South Korea has raised objections, Kishida and Yun concurred that the two countries should go hand in hand in moving forward with Japan supporting South Korea’s efforts to have historic sites from the ancient kingdom of Baekje put on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. 「明治日本の産業革命遺産」の世界文化遺産登録に韓国が反対していた問題では、韓国推薦の「百済歴史地区」とともに、日韓が登録に協力することで合意した。

Politicization of World Heritage registration should have been avoided, and the matter placed in the hands of experts on the cultural values of the properties in question. 本来、専門家による文化財の価値判断を尊重するのが筋で、政治問題化すべきではなかった。

Park urged to end bigotry ◆頑なな朴外交の転換を

In the 1965 Agreement Between Japan and the Republic of Korea Concerning the Settlement of Problems in Regard to Property and Claims and Economic Cooperation, Japan pledged to provide South Korea with economic assistance worth $500 million in grants and government loans. The accord also explicitly stated that all compensation issues were settled “completely and finally.” １９６５年に締結された請求権・経済協力協定は、日本側が無償・有償計５億ドルの経済協力を約束し、請求権問題は「完全かつ最終的に解決された」と明記した。

In addition to the funds available under the 1965 agreement, the subsequent investments and technological transfers from Japan to South Korea contributed greatly to South Korea’s dramatic economic growth that has been referred to as the “miracle of Hangan.” この資金に加え、日本からの投資や技術移転は、「漢江の奇跡」と呼ばれる韓国の飛躍的な経済成長に大きく寄与した。

The 1998 Japan-South Korea Joint Declaration by then South Korean President Kim Dae Jung and Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi marked the advent of a new era between the two nations. While Obuchi in the landmark declaration offered a forthright apology for “damage and suffering” inflicted on the Korean people because of Japan’s colonial rule, Kim expressed a desire for developing “future-oriented relationship” between the two countries. 金大中大統領と小渕首相による９８年の「日韓共同宣言」は、新時代を画した。小渕氏が植民地支配による「損害と苦痛」に謝罪し、金氏が「未来志向的な関係を発展させる」と表明した。

Following the Obuchi-Kim talks, the South Korean president allowed by stages the entry of Japanese popular culture into his country. Cultural exchanges between Japan and South Korea gained momentum, later leading to the emergence in Japan of a Korean pop culture boom. 金氏は韓国で日本大衆文化を段階的に開放した。文化交流に弾みがつき、その後の日本の韓流ブームにもつながった。

South Korea now ranks seventh in the list of the world’s biggest exporting countries and is a member of the Group of 20 major economies. Joint undertakings by Japanese and South Korean enterprises have been on the rise and a relationship of interdependence has deepened between the two countries. 韓国は今、世界７位の輸出大国で、主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）の一員だ。日韓企業の共同事業が増え、相互依存関係も深まった。

A trip, however, in August 2012 by then South Korean President Lee Myung Bak to the Takeshima islands, and his remarks calling for an apology by the Emperor soured bilateral ties. President Park Geun-hye, who took office in February 2013, has made the holding of a summit meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe contingent on resolving the comfort women issue, and she has stubbornly refused to meet with the prime minister. だが、２０１２年８月の李明博大統領の竹島訪問と天皇陛下への謝罪要求発言で、関係は暗転した。１３年２月に就任した朴槿恵大統領は、慰安婦問題の解決を首脳会談の条件に掲げ、安倍首相との会談を頑かたくなに拒み続けている。

In reference to the speech Abe delivered in the U.S. Congress in April this year, Park criticized the prime minister for “failing to take advantage of the opportunity to make a sincere apology ... and strengthen trust with neighboring countries.” 今年４月の首相の米議会演説も、「誠実な謝罪によって近隣諸国と信頼を深める機会を、生かせなかった」などと批判した。

Resolve ‘comfort women’ ◆「慰安婦」を打開したい

Fundamentally, the compensation problem involving the comfort women has been legally resolved under the 1965 agreement. The Asian Women’s Fund that was established by the Japanese government, however, made payments of “atonement money” to 61 former South Korean comfort women, accompanied by letters of apology by the then Japanese prime minister. 慰安婦の賠償問題は本来、請求権協定で法的に解決済みだ。それでも、日本政府が設立したアジア女性基金は、韓国の元慰安婦６１人に首相のお詫わびの手紙とともに「償い金」を支給している。

As long as Park ignores these facts and does not change her stance of pressing the Abe administration for unilateral concessions, it will be difficult for the Japanese side to compromise. 朴氏が、こうした事実関係を無視し、安倍政権に一方的な譲歩を迫る姿勢を改めない限り、日本側も歩み寄るのは難しいだろう。

Behind South Korea’s tough stance on Japan are the country’s growing anti-Japan nationalism, which could be said an adverse by-product of the country’s democratization, and the government’s populist policy. 韓国の対日強硬姿勢の背景には、民主化の副作用とも言える反日ナショナリズムの高まりと、政府の大衆迎合がある。

With regard to comfort women, a private organization in support of former comfort women is in the forefront of public opinion. 慰安婦問題では、元慰安婦を支援する民間団体が世論を牛耳る。

A statue of a girl symbolizing comfort women that this organization erected in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul contravenes the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which stipulates that a host country must protect a diplomatic mission, such as an embassy. To repair diplomatic relations, the statue must first be removed.この団体がソウルの日本大使館前に設置した慰安婦の少女像は、大使館の保護などを定めたウィーン条約に抵触する。関係改善には、まず少女像の撤去が必要だ。

Park’s pressure on Japan to have a “correct perception of history,” apparently going along with anti-Japan opinion in the country, intensifies anti-South Korean sentiment in Japan, leading to a vicious circle. 朴氏が国内の反日世論に迎合して「正しい歴史認識」を強要することが、日本側の「嫌韓」感情をあおり、悪循環を招いている。

We think that even if there are differences in views on territorial issues or historic perception between Japan and South Korea, the primary task of diplomacy is to minimize the negative impact of such differences on the overall relationship between the two countries. 領土問題や歴史認識で意見の相違があっても、日韓関係全体への影響を極小化することこそが、外交本来の役割ではないか。

We also cannot overlook the fact that South Korea’s judiciary authorities in recent years have shaken the foundation of the 1965 agreement on property claims. 韓国司法が近年、日韓請求権協定を揺るがしているのも看過できない。

The South Korean Constitutional Court has issued a ruling that called for the government to negotiate with the Japanese government over comfort women. 憲法裁判所は、慰安婦問題での対日交渉を政府に求めた。

Meanwhile, South Korean courts have handed down one ruling after another ordering Japanese companies to pay damages to South Koreans who were forced to work in wartimes.戦時中の徴用工問題で日本企業に損害賠償を命じる判決も相次いでいる。

South Korea’s unlawful occupation of the Takeshima islands is also an issue that must be dealt with under international law and therefore needs to be settled at the International Court of Justice. 韓国による竹島の不法占拠も、国際法にかかわる問題で、国際司法裁判所で決着させるべきだ。

After the war, Japan, as a pacifist nation, has contributed to the development of South Korea. Good examples of such development are the Pohang integrated steel mill, for which engineers, including those of Nippon Steel Corp., cooperated in the construction of the facilities in the city, and the development of a subway system in Seoul. 戦後日本は、平和国家として韓国の発展に貢献してきた。新日本製鉄などの技術者たちが現地で協力した浦項総合製鉄所の建設や、地下鉄の整備は、その好例だ。

School textbooks and local mass media in South Korea seldom refer to such assistance. This is one of the factors behind anti-Japan sentiment among South Koreans. 韓国の教科書やマスコミは日本の協力をほとんど紹介しない。国民の反日感情が続く一因だ。

Worries over China, N. Korea ◆中朝にどう自制を促す

Deteriorating relations between Japan and South Korea have also become a cause for worry for U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration in its Asian rebalancing policy. To pressure the North Korean regime, led by Kim Jong Un, to abandon its nuclear development, it is vital for Japan, the United States and South Korea to reinforce their cooperation. 日韓関係の悪化は、オバマ米政権のアジア重視政策の不安要因ともなっている。北朝鮮の金正恩政権に核放棄を迫るには、日米韓の連携強化が欠かせない。

It is also a cause for worry that Park, attaching importance to strengthening ties with China, has shown signs of forming a unified front with China against Japan over historical issues. 朴氏が中国との関係強化を重視し、歴史問題で共闘する動きを見せていることも懸念材料だ。

One goal is to press for restraint by China, which is aiming to change the regional status quo by force, as seen by its extensive maritime advance. Another goal that must be pursued is to realize the peace and prosperity of East Asia over the mid- and long term. This is the time for both Japan and South Korea to share such strategic goals. 強引な海洋進出など、地域秩序の「力による現状変更」を目指す中国に自制を促す。中長期的に東アジアの平和と繁栄を追求する。そうした戦略的な目標を日韓両国は共有すべき時ではないか。

Following the conclusion of the treaty normalizing relations with Japan, then South Korean President Park Chung Hee said in the National Assembly that his country must not take the wrong path in the present and the future by adhering too much and solely to the past. 国交正常化を果たした朴正煕大統領は国会演説で、「過去にのみ執着するあまり、現在および未来への道を誤ってはならない」と説いた。

This is a sentiment that we hope his daughter, the current president, will take to heart.娘の朴氏に、今一度、かみしめてもらいたい言葉である。

2015年06月22日

The Yomiuri ShimbunFarmland accumulation banks must do more to consolidate farming plots農地集積バンク 利用促進の努力が足りない

The farmlands intermediary administration institute system, also known as the farmland accumulation bank, that was created in each of the nation’s 47 prefectures as part of the government’s growth strategy has been performing poorly. 政府の成長戦略の一環として全都道府県に創設された農地中間管理機構（農地集積バンク）の実績が低調である。

The thinking behind the system is to borrow plots of farmland from small-plot farmers and others and then rent them out in bulk. High expectations have been placed on the system as a promising means of increasing the area of farmland per farming unit. 小規模農家などから借りた農地をまとめて貸し出す仕組みで、農地大型化の切り札として期待されている。

The area of farmland leased during the first fiscal year of the leasing facilitation program, however, was no more than 24,000 hectares nationwide, compared to the government-set target of 150,000 hectares, so the achievement rate stood at a mere 16 percent. The percentage was 1 percent or less in 10 prefectures, including Tokyo, meaning the program was hardly utilized, indicating a lack of effort on the part of the intermediary administration institutes. ところが、初年度の貸し出し面積は、政府目標の１５万ヘクタールに対して２・４万ヘクタールにとどまり、達成率はわずか１６％だった。１０都府県では１％以下と、ほとんど利用されておらず、努力不足が否めない。

If measures to make good use of the institutes are taken with the aim of aggregating parcels of farmland to large-plot farmers or companies operating farming businesses, Japan’s agricultural productivity will be enhanced and its international competitiveness strengthened. The leasing scheme can also be conducive to reducing abandoned farmland and reinvigorating regional economies. 機構を活用し、大規模農家や企業に農地を集約すれば、農業生産性が向上し、国際競争力を強化できる。耕作放棄地の縮小や、地方経済の活性化にもつながろう。

The central and local governments must try to find the causes of the poor performance of the farmland leasing system and work out measures to improve the situation and expedite its utilization. 政府と自治体は、低迷の原因を分析して改善策を講じ、利用促進に努めるべきだ。

To facilitate farmland consolidation via the intermediary institutes, the government has brought about an institutional change to enable leasing and borrowing of farmland without the permission of a relevant agricultural committee. 機構による農地集約を促進する狙いで、政府は各地の農業委員会の許可がなくても農地を貸借できるよう制度を改めた。

The area of farmland that farming companies and others said they wanted to borrow totaled 230,000 hectares, but plots of farmland available for leasing contracts were no more than 29,000 hectares. Sufficient results could not be achieved. 企業などが借りたいと希望した農地は２３万ヘクタールに上ったが、貸し出せる農地が２・９万ヘクタールしか集まらず、実績は伸びなかった。

A major factor behind the dearth of prospective lenders of farmland is that many farmers tend to shy away from leasing their plots, as they often consider them precious property handed down by ancestors for generations. 貸し手不足の背景には、先祖伝来の土地を他人に預けることをためらう農家が多い事情がある。

Boosting understanding

In addition, there are many instances of misunderstanding that farming plots, once leased, will not be returned to them. It is actually possible to have the contracts end after the agreed-upon period, such as 10 years. １０年などの契約期間を過ぎれば貸し出しを打ち切れるのに、一度貸したら戻ってこなくなる、といった誤解も少なくない。

In Toyama Prefecture, where the achievement rate was the highest in the country at 99 percent, 70,000 copies of a booklet explaining the leasing system through manga were distributed to alleviate farmers’ anxieties. 目標達成率が９９％と全国首位だった富山県では、農家の不安を和らげるため、漫画形式のパンフレットを７万部作成していた。

Reportedly, farmers typically said they “feel at ease,” as they easily understood how the system works. This can be used as a good reference for other local entities. 農家からは「仕組みがよくわかり、安心できた」といった反響があったという。他の自治体の参考になるだろう。

Many local areas with high achievement rates used their own initiatives even before the leasing intermediary institutes were launched, such as listening to the intentions of companies and others wishing to enter the farming sector, while engaging in such activities as finding farming plots suitable for leasing contracts. 達成率の高かった自治体には、機構ができる前から農業参入を希望する企業などの意向を聞き、貸し出しに適した農地を探すなど、独自の取り組みを進めてきたところが多い。

In finding prospective lenders, it is necessary to grasp the circumstances of individual farming households, such as whether they have successors. Boosting the institutes’ cooperation with city, town and village governments is also important. 貸し手を効率的に探すには、後継者の有無など個々の農家の事情を把握する必要がある。市町村との連携強化も重要となる。

There also are many farmers who opt to hold on to their farms, even if they are not being used, because they hope to profit on future sales in the event of the farmland being converted for residential or commercial purposes. Low tax rates on farmland are fueling this tendency. 宅地や商業地への転用を期待して、使わない農地を持ち続けている例も多い。農地の税負担の軽さが、これを助長している。

The government’s Regulatory Reform Council recently came up with a set of proposals calling for such steps as raising tax rates on abandoned farmland and alleviation of tax burdens on the part of those farmers who lease their plots. These proposals should be positively considered. 政府の規制改革会議は、耕作放棄地への課税強化や貸し手農家の税負担軽減を提言した。実現するよう前向きに検討したい。

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi’s suggestion that preferential treatment in budgetary and other matters be offered to prefectures achieving good performances in the leasing facilitation program, however, is questionable. We fear such measures would lead to wasteful use of taxpayers’ money. 林農相が、実績を上げた都道府県に予算配分などで配慮する考えを示したのは疑問だ。予算の無駄遣いにつながるのではないか。

2015年06月21日

The Yomiuri ShimbunBill should ensure better treatment of temporary employees at firms派遣法改正案 処遇向上の実効性を高めたい

A bill to revise the Worker Dispatch Law, over which the ruling and opposition parties confronted each other, passed the House of Representatives on Friday. 与野党の対決法案である労働者派遣法改正案が衆院を通過した。

The House of Councillors, to which the bill has been sent, must deepen constructive discussions on it to improve treatment of temporary workers and stabilize their employment. 派遣労働者の処遇向上と雇用安定のため、参院では、建設的な議論を深める必要がある。

If enacted, the bill will virtually abolish the limit on the length of time that companies can use dispatched workers. On the other hand, staffing agencies will be obliged to take measures to support temps in career enhancement, such as training programs, and to stabilize their employment by asking companies where they work to hire them directly. 改正案は、企業が派遣労働者を受け入れる期間の制限を事実上なくす。一方で、派遣会社に対し、計画的な教育訓練など、派遣労働者のキャリアアップ支援や、派遣先への直接雇用の依頼といった雇用安定措置を義務づけている。

The current law mainly aims to prevent companies from replacing regular employees in some jobs with temps. 現行法は、企業が正社員の仕事を派遣労働者に切り替えるのを防ぐことを主眼にしてきた。

Therefore, the law makes three years the maximum length of time for companies to use dispatched workers except in some specialized jobs. On the other hand, the law does not have enough regulations to protect jobs and the working conditions of temps. そのため、一部の専門業務を除き、企業の派遣受け入れ期間を最長３年に制限している。反面、派遣労働者の雇用や待遇を守る規定が手薄だった。

As there is a wider variety in ways to work in our society, the bill seeks to move the legal emphasis from protection of regular employees at companies where temps work to protection of temporary employees. We think this concept of the bill is reasonable. 多様な働き方が広がる中、派遣先の正社員の保護から派遣労働者の保護に軸足を移す。改正案のこの考え方は妥当である。

However, the Democratic Party of Japan and some other parties oppose the bill because they say it will only increase the number of temps. They also criticize a measure stipulated in the bill to support them in career enhancement as “not viable.” 民主党などは「派遣労働者を増やす」と反対し、キャリアアップ支援なども「実効性がない」と批判している。

Enhanced govt supervision

However, the bill will put all the staffing companies under a license system and strengthen government supervision of them. If it functions effectively, this system will contribute to the betterment of employment conditions for temps. だが、改正案は、派遣会社を全て許可制とし、政府の監督体制を強化する。制度が有効に機能すれば、処遇改善に寄与しよう。

The Japan Innovation Party helped the bill pass in the lower house. Though it opposed the bill, the JIP made a deal with the ruling parties and participated in a vote on the bill. The JIP and the ruling parties agreed with each other to work for the enactment of a separate bill proposed by the JIP and others to promote the principle of equal pay for equal work after making some revisions of it. 改正案の衆院通過は、維新の党が後押しした。改正案には反対したが、与党と協調し、採決には応じた。維新などが提出した「同一労働同一賃金」推進法案を修正のうえ、成立させることで、与党と一致したためだ。

The initial bill would have required companies to pay the same wages for temps and regular workers doing the same job. 当初案は、派遣労働者と正社員の仕事が同じなら賃金も等しくする「均等待遇」を求めていた。

But the phrase “balanced treatment” was added to the revised bill to allow companies to change employment conditions for regular and temporary workers after considering whether they can work overtime or be transferred to different workplaces. We think the revision is pragmatic, considering the reality of the corporate sector in Japan, where traditional practices such as lifetime employment and seniority-based remuneration are still strongly rooted. 修正案には「均衡待遇」との表現を加えた。転勤や残業の有無など正社員と派遣労働者の立場の違いを考慮した処遇を認めるものだ。終身雇用や年功賃金の慣行が根強く残る日本の企業社会を考えれば、修正は現実的である。

Deliberations on the bill to revise the Worker Dispatch Law took a total of 30 hours in the lower house. We praise the JIP for making concessions to the ruling parties without stringing out deliberations unnecessarily. 改正案の衆院審議は約３０時間に上った。維新が審議をいたずらに引き延ばさず、与党に歩み寄ったのは、前向きに評価できる。

What disappointed us is the behavior of the DPJ. The party opposed efforts by the ruling parties to end deliberations on the bill at the lower house Committee on Health, Labor and Welfare and used force to prevent its chairman from entering the conference room. That caused an injury to the neck of the chairman, which will take two weeks to heal completely. あきれるのは、民主党の対応である。与党が衆院厚生労働委員会の質疑を終結しようとしたのに反発し、委員長の入室を阻止する「実力行使」に出た。委員長は、首に全治２週間のけがを負った。

Akira Nagatsuma, acting president of the DPJ, defended the obstruction of deliberations, saying, “It would not be in line with Japan’s national interests if the opposition sat quietly and let the bill pass.” 長妻昭代表代行は、「野党がお行儀よく座って、法律を通してしまうことが国益にかなうのか」などと審議妨害を正当化した。

However, this exceeded the role of an opposition party in resisting the ruling camp. The DPJ must be criticized more severely than ever. これでは、「抵抗野党」の域を超えている。より厳しく批判されるのは当然である。